[59F] Experiencing neurological and cardiovascular symptoms

Patient Description

A 59-year-old female presents with a complex of neurological symptoms including transient electric shock-like sensations all over her body, which have been occurring for two days, and in the right thigh for one month, particularly during physical therapy for a femoral nerve condition. These sensations worsened following a fall. Additionally, she reports chronic migraines that have escalated over the past five years, with a frequency of 10 to 15 days per month, accompanied by visual disturbances, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. The patient also experiences tinnitus described as a high-pitched crescendo or a distant jackhammer, which has been present for three years and is alleviated by yawning and massaging behind the ears. Blurry vision has been a problem for two years, rendering her unable to read without stronger glasses. She has a history of controlled high blood pressure, clinical depression, and obesity. Recently, she has been experiencing nocturnal urinary leaking and noted that her blood pressure fluctuates significantly within a single day. The patient is currently taking Propanolol 80 mg daily and Ibuprofen 1000 mg as needed. No known drug allergies have been reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, there are several possibilities that could explain your symptoms:

  • Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition results from damage to your peripheral nerves, which often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body. The pins and needles sensation you're experiencing could be a symptom of this condition.

    • Diagnostic tests for peripheral neuropathy may include neurological examinations, nerve function tests, blood tests, and imaging tests.
    • Treatment typically involves managing the condition causing your neuropathy and relieving symptoms. Some people also benefit from physical therapy.
  • Migraines: You've been suffering from migraines since childhood, and they've become more frequent in recent years. Migraines can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. They're often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.

    • Treatment for migraines usually involves pain-relieving medications and preventive medications.
  • Tinnitus: This is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. It's a common problem that affects about 1 in 5 people. Tinnitus isn't a condition itself — it's a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury or a circulatory system disorder.

    • Treatment for tinnitus depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, however, the cause isn't known or can't be treated. In such cases, treatments can help manage the constant ringing, hissing or buzzing you hear.
  • Vision Problems: The blurry vision you're experiencing could be due to a variety of conditions, such as presbyopia, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or a refractive error.

    • Treatment for vision problems depends on the underlying cause and may include glasses, contact lenses, medications, or surgery.
  • Hypertension: You've mentioned that your blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, if not managed effectively.

    • Treatment for hypertension usually involves lifestyle changes and medications.

What you can do

Given the variety and complexity of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation, order necessary tests, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. In the meantime, here are some general suggestions:

  1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help manage many of your symptoms.
  2. Monitor your blood pressure: Regularly monitoring your blood pressure at home can help you and your healthcare provider understand how well your treatment plan is working.
  3. Manage stress: Stress can exacerbate many of your symptoms, including migraines and tinnitus. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress.
  4. Protect your vision: Regular eye exams can help detect vision problems early, when they're most treatable.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Sudden, severe headache or migraine
  • Sudden loss of vision or double vision
  • Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may need different management. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What could be causing the electric shock-like sensations in my body?

The electric shock-like sensations could be a symptom of peripheral neuropathy, which is caused by damage to the peripheral nerves. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.


How can I manage my chronic migraines more effectively?

Chronic migraines can be managed with a combination of pain-relieving and preventive medications. Lifestyle changes, such as stress management, regular exercise, and a balanced diet, can also help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.


What are some common causes of tinnitus and how can it be treated?

Tinnitus can be caused by age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or circulatory system disorders. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but if the cause is unknown or untreatable, management strategies can help alleviate the symptoms.


Why does my blood pressure fluctuate significantly throughout the day?

Blood pressure fluctuations can be due to various factors, including stress, diet, medication, and underlying health conditions. Monitoring your blood pressure regularly and consulting with a healthcare provider can help identify the cause and manage it effectively.


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